Phytosterols are plant compounds that resemble cholesterol. The highest concentrations are found in vegetable oils, beans and nuts. There are over 200 different phytosterols, including steryl glucoside and other sterol derivatives. Phytosterol derivatives have been scientifically proven to lower plasma and LDL cholesterols by competing with cholesterol for absorption in the digestive tract.
The authors of a study recently published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry compared different olive cultivars, orchard locations, farming methods and sampling times in a bid to determine which elements influence steryl glucoside levels in olive oils. Initial findings suggest that pedoclimate – meaning soil water, nutrients, and aeration – could have the most significant impact on steryl glucoside concentrations.
Researchers at the Instituto de la Grasa, CSIC (Institute of Fats and Fat Derivatives of the Spanish National Research Council) analyzed virgin oils obtained from the Cornicabra, Manzanilla Cacereña, Manzanilla Castellana, and Picual olive varieties grown in eight different orchards situated around the outskirts of Madrid near the Manzanares River. The orchards were typically planted with 300 trees per hectare and both traditional and organic farming methods were included in the study. Fruit was handpicked and oil was extracted within 24 hours of harvesting to ensure high quality. An Abencor® hammer mill was used to crush the olives, with 700 g of oil paste processed per hour. Forty-four oil samples were analyzed.
Fruit variety and farming method proved less significant than characteristics of the soil – the pedoclimate – on levels of steryl glucosides. Another interesting finding was the presence of a wider variety of steryl glucoside derivatives in the olive oils than has previously been observed. The methodology used in the study was efficient and cost-effective, and thus could easily be applied to the routine testing of steryl glucoside levels in olive oils.
Because they prevent the absorption of regular dietary cholesterol while remaining not easily absorbed themselves, steryl glucosides together with other phytosterols induce lower total cholesterol levels, which in turn can reduce risk for heart disease, stroke and heart attack. This study contributes to the mountain of evidence demonstrating that olive oil, with its concentrations of essential fatty acids and minor compounds including phytosterols and antioxidants, is a strategic food element for managing and reducing cholesterol levels and associated health risks, as well as many other ailments. /end/
Related Articles
Nov. 13, 2024
Early Intervention with EVOO Shows Promise in Reducing Down Syndrome Symptoms
New research in mice suggests that extra virgin olive oil consumption could mitigate neurodegenerative effects caused by Downs syndrome.
Feb. 23, 2024
World Trade Organization Finds U.S. Noncompliant in Table Olive Trade Spat
The WTO ruled that the U.S. must remove tariffs on Spanish table olive imports, while a separate case is pending in the Court of Appeals.
Feb. 29, 2024
Turkey's Production Plummets After Last Year's Record Harvest
Adverse weather, a poor fruit set and an ‘off-year’ have led to a meager yield.
Feb. 20, 2024
New Research Rekindles Debate on Nutri-Score’s Effectiveness
The OECD found Nutri-Score could save money on healthcare. Dutch researchers questioned the integrity of studies supporting the labeling system.
Apr. 9, 2024
The Role of Monounsaturated Fatty Acids in Olive Oil's Health Benefits
Oleic acid, classified as a monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA), has been extensively studied by scientists over the last decades, consistently demonstrating many positive effects on human health.
Jun. 26, 2024
Rising Olive Oil Imports Contribute to Spain’s Trade Deficit with Argentina
While Spain’s agricultural trade deficit fell by 33 percent between 2022 and 2023, olive oil imports increased by nearly 230 percent due to a poor harvest and rising prices.
Mar. 7, 2024
Sustainability Keeps This Award-Winning Producer Grounded
Treurer is working to establish a circular economy to promote high-quality olive oil production and Mallorca’s natural beauty.
Apr. 9, 2024
Processed Foods Associated with Negative Health Outcomes, Study Finds
Consumption of ultra-processed foods was associated with a greater risk of more than 30 negative health outcomes.